Technology has allowed us to gain complete control over our lives. With just a few taps on the screen, everything is accessible and within reach. One example of an innovation that seeks to expand this control, reach, and connectivity is the Internet of Things or IOT.
What is the Internet of Things (IOT)?
IOT pertains to a network of mechanical and digital machines, aka ‘things’, that can connect to the internet and transfer information over a network.
IOT machines or devices have sensors attached to them. Each can independently operate and ‘talk’ to each other without human-to-machine or human-to-human intervention.
An IOT network has four major components: sensors (or devices embedded with sensors), local and internet
connectivity, data processing, and finally, the user interface where all functions and controls are centralized.
What is the main purpose of the Internet of Things?
IOT’s primary purpose is to create a network of devices that can process information instantly and self-report in real-time. The data gathered from these analyses can improve efficiency and improve user experience.
What are the most common applications of IOT networks?
IOT ecosystems serve different industries and power consumer, industrial, infrastructure, and military applications. It also introduces the wonders of automation and efficiency to ordinary people through smart homes, equipped with smart appliances, fixtures, hubs, and even smart vehicles, to name a few.
The innovations of IOT and its applications have been incorporated into the everyday routine without us even noticing it. Let’s look at how these systems of networks and “things” have transformed how we live our lives.
How can IOT change our normal everyday lives?
Here are some of the most significant benefits of IOT devices and systems you should know.
IOT powers efficient home automation tools.
One of the earliest introductions of IOT into the lives of ordinary people is home automation. Home automation allows homeowners to automate and control domestic appliances connected to a central hub. With an IoT network, one can remotely control these smart devices from their mobile phones or through a dedicated mobile application.
IOT provides great home management assistance.
An IOT network provides the infrastructure to manage the home. Smart refrigerators, for example, can notify you via a text message if you are low on supplies. Smart washing machines have the same notification features.
The same goes with heating and cooling systems and how they can automatically be adjusted based on the current weather and indoor temperature.
You can also set schedules for when to activate your sprinkle systems for your yard.
Lastly, the most popular part of an IOT ecosystem is the smart assistant software. Voice assistants can assist the elderly and physically challenged individuals in managing their homes using voice commands to activate appliances and other devices in a smart home.
IOT enhances security at home and at work.
IOT also enables homeowners to set up security systems using IOT powered products. IOT’s smart remote surveillance devices help you secure, limit, and allow access to home and work premises.
These include smart locks for doors and windows, voice and face recognition applications, and fingerprint readers. IOT enabled remote monitors, cameras, alarms, sensors, and lights, can also be connected to a central control hub for real-time reporting and analysis.
IOT encourages a healthier lifestyle.
Health and fitness trackers are IOT wearable devices that help you keep track of your health and lifestyle. These devices use your biometric information and track your workouts, monitor your sleep-wake cycles, record your heart rate and oxygen levels in the blood, and measure your calorie consumption, among others.
This data is collected and reported in real-time to give you an accurate status update of your current health and fitness. In many cases, this quick access to data has saved lives, especially in medical emergencies.
So, there you have it, some of the emerging innovations from one of the most exciting advancements in the modern world. Since IOT networks are still developing, we can expect more from this technology in the near and far future!
